[Washington, DC] -- Saudi Arabia has completed the formation of 178 municipal councils throughout the Kingdom in line with directives issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as part of his political reforms. Half of the members of the municipal councils were elected last spring.

“Formation of these councils and the corresponding elections represent an important step in the Kingdom’s ongoing effort to promote greater participation by Saudi citizens in the decision-making process,” remarked Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki Al-Faisal. “As these representatives begin to shoulder their new responsibilities, the world will be monitoring their performance.”

Elections for members of the municipal councils were held in three phases, encompassing all cities and towns in the Kingdom’s 13 provinces. The Riyadh region voted on February 10; the Eastern and Southern regions voted on March 3; and the Western and Northern regions voted in the final phase on April 21. A total of 592 representatives were elected.